--and it's just that-- going through hell, but not staying there. Dane Butler reminded us --me and the many other musicians and vocalists who attended Monday night's sound check, in preparation for the Live2Give SoCal Benefit Tour--of this profound principle.

If one would considers the loosely-used phrase more acutely, the same should discover the subtle yet profound implications of hope that reside within those 3 words. As Christians, it is important to know that "many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all" (Psalm 34:19).

So as I mused upon such a statement, things began to occur to me-- a beam of light seemed to pierce through the overcast of confusion, struggle, and unfulfilled dreams.

Searching for the will of the Lord in my life, I felt like Thomas who asked Jesus "how can we know the way?" Appropriately, Jesus responded "I am the way, the truth, and the life." Wow. Of course, the wayto salvation is the true context in which these words were spoken, but I believe that Jesus should be the way in every aspect of our lives.

The Wayto your needs-- "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33).

The Way to your dreams-- "Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." (Psalm 37:4)

The Way to success vs. the way to failure--"The Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish" (Psalm 1:6).

"Enter ye in at the strait gate, for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:Because straight is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it" (Matthew 7:13-14).

I purposed to say more on this topic, but I believe Jesus has said it all. He is the only way to success- stay encouraged, and don't get lost. Let His word be a lamp unto your feet, and a light unto your way.